Page 104 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
“It’s a private joke,” I explained, but nothing felt funny to me. Instead, the gift seemed imbued with life-and-death importance.
Written in black pen on the ear were the words, “Without you, it feels like a part of me is missing.”
Moisture filled my eyes. “It’s from Gray.”
Unfolding the note, I read his words.
Dear Scarlett,
I’m not even sure how to begin this. I guess I’m sorry would be a good start. I wish I had told you sooner about my “secret career.” I’ve been alone so long I guess I sort of forgot how to really let someone else in. I should have trusted my gut about you—all the way. If my failure to do that causes me to lose you, it’ll be the greatest regret of my life.
I told myself I was going to just let you go, that you’d be better off without me and the baggage from my past. But then I thought, how does that make me any better than Bryce, who said he loved you then disappeared on you?
Speaking of that cocksucker, Viridian did a little digging and found out he’s the one who put your picture online. He took my phone from the counter at the hospital. I guess his goal was to shame you, but I swear to God, that is the best piece I’ve ever created because you were the subject. You were and will always be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I took a picture of it because I wanted it for myself. I wanted you for myself.
Of course I never intended for it to go public. I’m so sorry that it happened, and you were embarrassed as a result. We made sure the proper authorities found out about it, and Bryce has been criminally charged under revenge porn laws. Because he stole the image and posted it with the intention of harassing you, he’s being fined ten thousand dollars and is facing a prison sentence of five years.
As for us—and I hope there can still be an us—I’m ready to do anything you say to win you back. I’ll quit my job with Viridian, I’ll move to Minnesota and paint cows for the rest of my life.
I can live anywhere and create my art. I can live anywhere and expand my art program for incarcerated kids nationwide. But my heart can only be in one place—wherever you are.
Victoria told me what she did regarding her will, so I know you don’t need anything I can give you financially. And nowyouknow I don’t need any ofyourmoney either. If you’ll have me, I’ll spend the rest of my life giving you the things moneycan’tbuy—fun, laughter, new experiences, sunsets, and sunflowers.
I know it’s a lot to ask you to trust me again. I won’t blame you if you say you can’t. But if you’ll at least try, I’ll take whatever you’ll let me have of you. You don’t even have to marry me. We can keep all our assets separate so that if you want to, you can walk away at any time.
Of course I’ll be praying every day that time never comes.
Please don’t say no right away. Take a few days to think about it. The minute the auction is over this weekend, I’m getting on a plane and tracking you down the way I should have three years ago after “our” honeymoon. We can talk then.
I love you, with all my heart, forever,
Gray
By the time I finished reading, tears were streaming down my face.
Mom put her arm around my shoulders. “You love him.”
I nodded rapidly. “I do. So much. And I forgive him—Ibelievehim. But how can we possibly be together? My life is here. You’re here, my job is here.”
“About that…” David began then stopped and licked his lips, wincing.
“What?”
Mom put her arm through mine, pulling me toward the door. “Let’s talk it over at lunch.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN
ANYTHING YOU WANT
Scarlett
The restaurant was one of those hot-dish and tater tot places—comfort food, comfortable surroundings. We sat in a booth with Mom and David on one side and me on the other.
Once we had our waters, he folded his hands on the tabletop in front of him. “Your mom and I thought it would be good to get away from the office for a little while so we could talk.”
My hand came up to cover my mouth. “Oh my God, you’re not getting a divorce, are you?”
She choked a laugh. “Heavens no. Why would you think that?”
